Principles of the Victims' Rights Act 

The Act states that all victims should be treated with courtesy and compassion and their dignity and privacy should be respected (section 7). Additionally, as far as possible, victims should be given access to welfare, health, counselling, medical and legal services that are responsive to their needs (section 8).

Neither of these provisions creates an enforceable right or requires specific action from any agency. Rather, the principles indicate the general standards expected of those dealing with victims.

The Act also states that judicial officers, lawyers, probation officers, court staff and prosecutors are to encourage meetings between the victim and offender, where a suitable person is available to arrange and facilitate the meeting, and other requirements are met. These are:

• that the offender and victim both agree to the meeting
• that resources are available for the meeting, and
• that the meeting is appropriate in all the circumstances (section 9).

Again, this does not create a right to a restorative justice process, or require any particular agency to provide resources or support for that purpose.